Leon Cecil Epps, Jr., 67, Linn, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 17, 2024, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia surrounded by his family.
He was born Feb. 25, 1957, a son to the late Leon Epps, Sr., and Margaret (Otto) Epps in Des Moines, Iowa.
He was a 1976 graduate of Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Iowa.
Leon was united in marriage to Darla Wolfe June 28, 1980, at Solid Rock Baptist Church in Judge.
He was employed at a sawmill, the Haviland Corporation in Linn making squeegees, T.K.’s Service Station in Loose Creek as a mechanic and later went to work for the Department of Public Safety at the Missouri National Guard in Jefferson City doing building maintenance for 20 years before retiring in 2013 due to his declining health.
Leon attended Solid Rock Baptist Church in Judge. He was a former member of the Osage Trail Riders. Leon volunteered his time helping the Stream Team for the Department of Conservation, the Linn Lions Club with the annual county fair, as well as playing Santa for the Osage County Caring Projects and the Linn Christmas Parade.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to auctions and antique shops. Leon loved to visit with people, making numerous friends along the way and would always help anyone he could. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and his best friend, Charlie Frank.
Leon was preceded in death by father, Leon Sr.; and father-in-law, Jerry Wolfe.
He is survived by spouse of 43 years, Darla; mother, Margaret; sons, Jeremy Epps and Jarad Epps and his fiancée Kaitlynn, all of Linn; grandchildren, Landon, Alison and Hadley Epps, Lauren Hawkins, Laniey and Logan Leibrecht, Gabriel Estes, Gavin and Lane Cloud and Nora Branstetter; brother, Terry Epps and wife Jean of Birchwood, Tenn.; sisters, Linda Evans, Tracy McKenney and Trudy O’Dell and husband Scott, all of Lebanon andLori Hebron of Des Moines, Iowa; mother-in-law, Cartelia Wolfe of Linn; brothers-in-law, Dwayne Wolfe of California, Darrell Wolfe and friend Tammy and Dustin Wolfe and wife Rachel, all of St. Louis; sister-in-law, Debra McKinney and husband Tom of Booneville; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m., Thursday, March 21, at Morton Chapel in Linn followed by the funeral service with Pastor Troy Sousa and Rev. Perry Wolfe officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Solid Rock Cemetery in Judge.
Memorial contributions suggested to Solid Rock Baptist Church or Solid Rock Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
